The Lakers getting swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs made one thing painfully obvious: they need a more reliable center. Free agency is one path the Lakers could use to address that need. They are projected to have some of the league’s highest cap space and wouldn’t need to surrender assets in a trade. Two centers that continue to be linked to the Lakers to solve their problem in the middle are Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams III.
According to The Athletic, Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams III are two centers that the Lakers could be interested in signing this summer to address their center need.
“Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams III are both unrestricted free agents the Lakers could target, along with re-signing Jaxson Hayes.”
The Lakers clearly want centers that fit next to Luka Doncic, similar to the playstyle that found some success in Dallas. They need a mobile big man who can defend the paint and catch lobs.
The Center Problem
Oklahoma City outmatched the Lakers physically during the series. The Lakers had trouble rebounding, protecting the rim, and creating easy shots inside when the game slowed down.
While the Lakers already have plenty of perimeter shot creation with Luka and Reaves, they still lack the kind of defensive anchor and vertical lob threat that naturally complements Luka’s style of play. That archetype has followed Luka throughout his career, whether it was Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford in Dallas, because his game becomes even more dangerous with an athletic rim-running center next to him.
This is why Robinson and Williams are good options. They don’t need the ball much on offense, but both can make a big difference on defense and take advantage of Luka’s passing near the basket.
Why Robinson Fits
If Robinson stays healthy, he could be the best fit for the Lakers this offseason. He is one of the league’s top offensive rebounders, protects the paint well, and creates extra possessions without needing plays called for him.
Playing next to Luka could completely unlock Robinson offensively. The constant lob opportunities and dump-off passes Luka creates would make life easy for him. The Lakers desperately lacked second-chance points during stretches of the Thunder series, and Robinson immediately helps address that weakness.
He also brings a level of size and physicality the Lakers simply didn’t have consistently this season. At times, Los Angeles looked too finesse-heavy, especially when opponents attacked the paint or controlled the glass in key moments.
The main worry with Robinson is his durability. He has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career. So the Lakers would probably see him as a high-upside risk instead of a sure long-term answer at center.
Williams Is The Bigger Gamble
Williams might have the most defensive potential among the available free-agent centers, but he is also the riskiest. When healthy, he is one of the league’s top weakside rim protectors and can change possessions with his athleticism and timing.
Beyond the shot blocking, Williams also brings mobility and passing ability that could fit well in JJ Redick’s system. Defensively, his ability to rotate, recover, and switch would give the Lakers a completely different dimension around Luka and Reaves.
But health is the entire conversation with Williams at this point in his career. He has struggled with major injuries over the last several seasons. It’s fair to wonder whether the Lakers can afford another durability gamble considering the urgency surrounding this championship window.
Still, the upside is obvious enough that it makes sense Los Angeles would at least explore the possibility. If Williams could stay healthy, he arguably offers the highest two-way impact of the names currently being linked to the Lakers.
What The Lakers Prioritize
The Lakers seem to be looking for affordable, role-specific centers rather than another star. They know Luka is their main offensive player and now want teammates who can defend, rebound, and finish plays.
Whether the Lakers sign Robinson, Williams, Hayes, or someone else, their direction is clear. They know they need more size, toughness, and rim protection to be real title contenders next season.
